Palermo-New York on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: Neos Launches the Only US Connection from Sicily
Neos, an Italian airline, has launched a new summer connection between Palermo, Sicily, and New York JFK using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This route, which began on June 8, marks the only direct flight from Sicily to the US, aside from connections through Naples. The new service operates twice weekly and is a significant move for Neos, traditionally focused on leisure travel.
The route's capacity and frequency are notable. Neos operates one of its six Boeing 787-9s on this route, with configurations ranging from 355 to 359 seats. Since its launch, the route has been primarily serviced by the aircraft EI-NEA, but other aircraft, including the 355-seater models, are scheduled to operate in the coming months.
This new route represents a strategic shift for Neos, as highlighted by CEO Carlo Stradiotti, who mentioned that this connection reflects a new direction for the airline. While maintaining its core leisure travel operations, Neos is now also targeting business traffic and cargo, with each flight capable of carrying up to 10 tonnes of cargo.
The demand for this route is significant. In 2023, approximately 45,000 passengers traveled between Palermo and New York, equating to about 865 travelers per week. Neos aims to fly around 20,000 passengers on this route over the summer, with strong advance bookings suggesting a positive outlook.
Neos also operates flights to New York and Toronto from Milan Malpensa. The new Palermo route is interconnected with the Milan-New York service, utilizing the same Dreamliner for both routes. This interconnected operation underscores the importance of the Palermo-New York route within Neos' broader network.
Historically, the Palermo-New York route has seen various operators, including Alitalia and Eurofly. The route was unserved for several years until Neos' recent launch. The revival of this route is seen as a significant opportunity for both Palermo Airport and the broader Sicilian region, promoting cultural exchange and tourism.